means test

¹

noun

1. an investigation into the financial position of a person applying for aid from public funds.

means-test

²

[ meenz-test ]

verb (used with object)

1. to subject (a person or a specific benefit) to a means test:

   The government proposes to means-test Medicare.

verb (used without object)

1. to perform a means test:

   fair and responsible means-testing.

means test

noun

1. a test involving the checking of a person's income to determine whether he qualifies for financial or social aid from a government Compare needs test

Derived Forms

• ˈmeans-tested, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of means test¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Origin of means test²

1960–65

Example Sentences

So it’s no surprise there’s been a fair bit of disquiet from different quarters over the decision to means test the winter fuel payment.

From BBC

"Age UK Gateshead is fully aligned with the older people we support in advocating against the government's decision to means test Winter Fuel Payments," they said.

From BBC

About 10 million of the current 11.5 million people receiving the payments are expected to stop receiving them when the means test is introduced.

From BBC

No 10 has previously said it was not legally obliged to produce a full impact assessment on the decision to means test the benefit.

From BBC

Parents of children with disabilities are able to claim the maximum amount, regardless of income, but disabled adults have to take a means test.

From BBC